First of all – I’ll be perfectly honest. I don’t particularly like the All Star Game. While it is the best ASG of all the major sports in America – I just don’t get it. I root for my favorite players on both squads – but then I’m conflicted because the game “counts”. And if I’m a fan of Scott Kazmir or Brandon Webb, my heart was in my throat at around 1AM on Wednesday morning. All I need is my favorite pitcher on short rest missing the rest of the season to prevent a tie in the All Star Game.
Then there’s the title of the event – All Star Game. While I think J.D. Drew is a good player, and I think Dioner Navarro, Christian Guzman, and Evan Longoria are having great years – they are not stars! It’s nice to reward them for their seasons so far. I wouldn’t mind them playing at all if the game didn’t “mean something” and if I didn’t have to watch players of that ilk struggle to score a run for 6 innings.
Some other thoughts:
- I hate the Red Sox as much as anybody. Can’t stand em. I have no problem with the way Papelbon was treated – but I’m not cool with the way his wife was reportedly treated. It’s a sad commentary on a rivalry gone way too far and a society that many times lacks class and tact. Papelbon has talked before. He has a big mouth and most of the time backs it up. He is a champion, and deserves to be treated as such. But when you play in one of the biggest baseball markets, and are always rivals with market 1, you know exactly how every word you say will be interpreted by papers and fans. And if you don’t – well – I guess your name is Alex Rodriguez.
- As for #13 of the pinstripers – no excuse for leaving early. Short of the flu like symptoms that Tim Lincecum faced A-Rod, in Yankee Stadium no less, should have stayed and gave the fans everything the Yankee captain did. Autographs and dedication. I like Alex. I like rooting for my team and he’s a HUGE part of it. I never hooked on with that “boo A-rod” craze. But he should know better now.
- Great job by Terry Francona. He’s the kind of boss you want to have, the kind of friend you want to have, and the kind of enemy you want to have. He treated everyone involved in that game with class and handled a somewhat difficult situation (managing the home team in Yankee Stadium wearing a Sox cap) perfectly.
- I’m gonna miss Yankee Stadium. It didn’t hit me til last night. I’ve been at a ton of games this year, watched the countdown in center field. It’s really gone. Mystique and Aura have been missing for a few years – and it certainly isn’t shiny and new. But I’m going to miss it.
- The National League should’ve won. My favorite Met Billy Wagner cost them the game. I loved it
Second half of the season starts tonight – lets see if the Yankees can make a run at a playoff spot. Won’t be easy with the twins, rays, redsox, tigers, and maybe another sleeper or two in the mix. They’ve pulled this act off before – how many times can they do it? Hopefully at least one more. Pettite vs. Beckett in game 7 of the ALCS would be sweet (especially with Joba in the Pen ready after 5 innings from Andy).
